Fiji - Destination Weddings

Where in the world is Fiji!?

One of the world’s favorite getaways Fiji, is situated among the South Pacific Islands further out from the east coast of Australia. Fiji is made up of hundreds of islands situated around the main larger island of Viti Levu, this is where most resorts are located. Smaller groups of islands include the Yassawa’s, Mamanucas and Kadavu groups.

People & Culture

About 840,000 locals live here, from the traditional Fijians to the Indian shop owners, every one is made to feel welcome in Fiji. It’s almost exhausting the amount of times you will say Bula!

A relaxed island feel to Fiji really sums up her reputation, everything will be run on Fiji Time! In other words (late)!

But be warned, there’s an infectious motion that has swept through Fiji and cannot be dampened - Smiling!! If every smile you gave and received was worth $1, you would be a millionaire by the time you returned home.

Religion

Most Fijians are quite religious and will attend the many churches around Fiji on Sundays. The Hindu culture is quite large with a huge chunk of the population being of Indian decent.

Getting Around Fiji

Of course the easiest way to locate yourself between islands is by boat or charter. Many companies have set up inter island transfers, making your journey easier between islands. There are many taxis and are frequent in major areas of Fiji and generally inexpensive. (to be assured of a certain rate, negotiate your fare before your taxi departs).

Seaplanes are another good way of getting around, and at the same time seeing the magnificent beauty of the islands. There are water taxi’s that operate the same way taxis do here, but by boat; these get pretty expensive, so your best bet is to just book a scheduled transfer from here.

I can’t survive without my Hair Straightener!

Power points and plugs are the same as ours

To be honest, ladies there is not much point in taking the hair straightener, the weather is humid and the air somewhat thick, you hair will be a frizz ball again by mid morning! If you cant live without your Ipod and such you have the outlets to charge your electronics and laptops etc.

Duty Free

250 grams of tobacco or 200 cigarettes, alcohol maximum is 2.25 litres for spirits and liquors, or 4.5 litres of wine, champagne, port or vermouth.

Legal Information

Overseas visitors wishing to be married in Fiji you are required to obtain a marriage license of their choice from the nearest marriage registry and present the following documents:

Original or certified copy of birth certificates

Passport

Decree Absolute documents if divorce;

Death certificate if spouse died.

Confirmatory letter on current marital status to be obtain from marriage registry where the applicant resides or statutory declaration signed by a Justice of Peace or Notary Public or Solicitor to prove that he/she has not entered into a marriage before (this declaration applies to first or second marriage.

Consent of the father if under the age of 18 years or mother if father is deceased. Valid marriages ages in Fiji are 16 years and above for female and 18 years and above for male.

Name of two witnesses who are 21 years of age or over.

Couples are required to be in Fiji for 3 working days prior to the wedding day. Legal requirements are slightly different for Catholic weddings. Information will be required upon request basis.

Money

Local currency is the FJD Fijian Dollar. Fiji isn’t really a shopper’s destination, although you may just find some great wooden carvings such as spears and axes to take home (and use on the new husband!). Average prices really depend on where you purchase your goods. For example: a can of Fijian Bounty Rum can cost you up to $10 FJD at a resort, or if you went to the local general store, you could get a 6 pack for about $12 FJD

Local Beer: FJD $4 AUD $3

Cocktails: FJD $7 -$15 (go when its happy hour!) AUD $5-$9

Coffee: FJD $3 AUD $2

DVD’s: FJD $1.50 (burnt copies) AUD $1.25

Seafood Dinner for two: FUJD $50 AUD $30

Credit cards: Restaurants, shops, car rental agencies, tour agencies will usually accept all major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Some resorts will charge approximately a 5% surcharge when using credit card.

Banks: ANZ bank has an ATM at the Nadi international airport and you'll find more in Nadi and Suva town. You won't find ATM's in remote areas. There are many banks throughout parts of Fiji. ANZ & Westpac. The banks are open Monday - Thursday 10-4pm and Friday closing at 3pm. All banks are closed public holidays and weekends. The ANZ bank located at the Nadi international airport has a 24 hour currency exchange office in the arrivals concourse.

There are about 90 atm, branches or ANZ partner ATM's located in Fiji. Visit www.locate.anz.com & you will be able to try and locate your closest ATM or branches in Fiji close to your resort.

Westpac has many branches with ATM's. The main ones are in Main street, Nadi (not open weekends) and in Suva, Thompson street (open until 4pm M-F) & Port Denarau island. Resorts with Westpac ATM's, The Westin, Sheraton, Warwick hotel, Fijian resort along with some service stations.

How to get there

Air Pacific is Fiji’s national airline and operates daily flights from Sydney and selected days from Melbourne and Brisbane. Flying time is between 5-6 hours. Fiji’s inter island domestic carrier is Pacific Sun operating between the larger islands of Fiji.

Do I need documents?

Ensure you have a current Australian passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your return date into Australia. A Visa is not required for Australians to travel to Fiji. If the passport that you travel on is foreign, you must contact Wedding Destinations to check your status.